"Aces High" tells the story of a British RAF pilot fighting against the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain (1940), the first battle to be completely fought in the skies of the UK.
In the world of Heavy Metal, few bands have managed to capture the essence of history and heroism quite like IRON MAIDEN. From their iconic mascot, Eddie, to their legendary lyrics, their music has always been a journey through time and space. Today, we delve deep into the heart-pounding, sky-soaring epic that is "Aces High", as we explore the 12" MAXI Vinyl Album release in Europe.
The Battle of Britain: A Heroic Prelude
"Aces High" is a testament to the band's ability to turn history into sonic art. Written by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, the song takes us back to the summer of 1940 when the skies over Britain became a battleground. The Battle of Britain, fought between the British RAF and the German Luftwaffe, was a pivotal moment in World War II, and "Aces High" pays homage to the brave RAF pilots who defended their homeland against the relentless German onslaught.
A Musical Dogfight
As the needle touches the vinyl and the unmistakable guitar riffs of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith fill the air, you are instantly transported to the cockpit of a Spitfire. The galloping bass of Steve Harris and the thunderous drums of Nicko McBrain provide the perfect backdrop for Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals.
The song's chorus, "Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die", encapsulates the fearless spirit of those young pilots as they engaged in dogfights high above the English Channel. It's a battle cry that still resonates with fans of IRON MAIDEN and admirers of history alike.
The Making of the Album
Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, who had a long and fruitful collaboration with the band, "Aces High Europe" captures the raw energy and precision that are trademarks of IRON MAIDEN's sound. Birch's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every instrument and vocal track blended seamlessly to create a sonic masterpiece.
The album sleeve design, courtesy of Derek Riggs and The Artful Dodgers, is a work of art in its own right. Featuring the iconic Eddie as a fearless pilot in the cockpit of his Spitfire, the cover perfectly complements the album's theme. It's a visual feast for fans and collectors alike.
Music Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" was produced by: Martin Birch Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple.
Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music. Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release. Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style. Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered. Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings. Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could. Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Rainbow. He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Move, and Deep Purple. Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006. Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world. Album sleeve design Derek Riggs, The Artful Dodgers Derek Riggs an English artist best known for creating the iconic artwork "Eddy" for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Born in 1958 in Portsmouth, England, Riggs showed an early talent for drawing and went on to study illustration and design.
In the late 1970s, Riggs was approached by Iron Maiden to create artwork for the band's first album, "Iron Maiden." The album's cover, which featured a zombie-like figure known as "Eddie the Head," became a defining image for the band and helped to establish their visual style. Riggs continued to create artwork for Iron Maiden throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his distinctive and often macabre illustrations have become synonymous with the band. In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has also created artwork for other musicians and bands, as well as for books, comics, and other media. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre, and his work has helped to shape the visual style of the genre as a whole. Today, Derek Riggs continues to create new artwork, and his legacy as one of the great heavy metal artists of all time remains intact. His influence can be seen in the work of countless other artists and musicians, and his iconic images continue to inspire fans and artists alike. Derek Riggs was raised in a creative environment, with his father working as an artist and his mother as a fashion designer. This artistic background helped to lay the foundation for his later success as an artist. After completing his studies in illustration and design, Riggs worked as a freelance artist, creating illustrations and designs for various clients. Riggs's work with Iron Maiden was groundbreaking, and he quickly became one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre. He was responsible for creating some of the most iconic images associated with the band, including Eddie the Head, who has appeared on almost every Iron Maiden album cover. Eddie has become one of the most recognizable mascots in the heavy metal genre, and is a beloved figure among fans of the band. In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has created artwork for a variety of other clients, including other musicians and bands, comic books, and book covers. He has also collaborated with other artists on various projects, and has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of heavy metal art. Derek Riggs is regarded as a true innovator in the field of heavy metal art, and his impact on the genre cannot be overstated. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists and musicians, and his legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal artists of all time is secure. "The Artful Dodgers" a Hertfordshire based graphic design company fronted by Keith Peacock, Neil Smith and Michael Faulkner. |
Record Label Information: EMI 1C K062 20 0385 6 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Europe |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" |
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Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" 12" LP Record - Side Two: |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |